Learning a new language is a great thing in itself, but putting this plan into practice can sometimes be more difficult than expected. Just cramming vocabulary and grammar, doing unmotivated group work with other course participants and hardly any opportunity to use the language in real life are enough to deter you from this plan. That's why you should choose a different learning option that combines two great things: learning a foreign language AND traveling!
The solution is called a language trip and allows you to learn the language you want directly in the country where it is spoken - and how come you learn better than by dealing directly with locals? If you would like to get started straight away, our comparison will help you find the right provider for a language trip . However, if you prefer to go on the road yourself and start a language trip without a provider, we have a checklist for you with the most important points that you should consider when planning.
1. Where should your language trip go?
The answer to this question, of course, depends heavily on which language you want to learn - learning Finnish in Italy doesn't make much sense. It is also important to consider whether you want to learn a new language for personal or professional reasons. For example, if you regularly work with Spaniards, it would be an advantage to learn Spanish. So consider which language you want to learn and for what reasons and then decide on the right country. If you would like to improve your English skills, you can find the three best destinations for English language trips in our article.
2. When should you leave?
If you have flexible working hours or are studying anyway and therefore have a lot of semester breaks, you should avoid the peak season. So book early to get a place at the language school. In the low season everything is more relaxed: the groups are smaller and the prices are often cheaper. You can regularly check special offers in the off-season at Sprachkurs-weltweit.de.
3. How long should the language trip last?
This largely depends on your budget, because the longer you stay, the more money you need. Of course, you benefit from staying as long as possible because the better you will learn the language. A good middle ground is two weeks - this means that there are no high costs and you don't have to pack up again as soon as you've settled in.
4. Which language school should you choose?
First, research which language schools there are in your chosen target country. Once you have checked off this point, you need to check the following aspects:
- How big is the school? Smaller ones are more personal, while larger ones offer more different language levels
- Where is the language school located? Are you more drawn to the city or to a small town by the sea?
- How old are the other participants and what industry do they come from? Most language schools are attended by those between the ages of 20 and 30 - but there are also programs tailored to certain professional groups, such as business people, specialized schools, or seniors
- What facilities does the school have? Library, computer, WiFi etc.
- Is there an organized leisure program offered? Excursions, exhibitions, dance courses, etc. are often offered inexpensively and help you to delve even deeper into the culture and language
5. Which language course should you choose?
Think carefully in advance for what reason – private or professional – you want to take the language course and how much time you want to spend in the class. Of course, a language trip like this shouldn't lose its holiday flair, so don't take on too much. Specialist language courses are only worthwhile if you already have good language skills. Individual courses are often offered that will help you deepen what you have learned or specialize in a specific area.
6. How do you find the right accommodation?
As a student, you should look for a shared apartment with other students, because this way you can quickly make friends in addition to the language school, make new acquaintances and start activities together. A host family, on the other hand, has the advantage that you have to speak the language you want to learn even after the language school. In addition, you will learn more about the everyday life of the locals and enjoy typical local dishes.
7. What costs should you expect for a language trip?
Found a super cheap offer? Don't buy it straight away, but first check what's included:
- Course price: Does this include the registration fee, teaching materials and internet use or are there extra costs?
- Course lesson: How long does one last? Times are usually between 40 and 60 minutes
- Class size: How many participants does the course include? There shouldn't be more than twelve, because the smaller the course, the more attention you get
- Accommodation: Does the price also include meals?
This all seems a bit much, but it will help you set up a language trip on your own without a provider. Just go through all the questions and be clear about what exactly you want from your language trip. If you still don't have the necessary change, we have ten tips for you on how you can earn money quickly and easily .
Set off into foreign cultures and learn a new language! Without any costs for expensive providers!
